Hello Sonia,
We (three Ottawa CHCs) have been involved over the last few years in an initiative focussing on winter sidewalk safety, since we estimate that outdoor falls in the wintertime cost the health system almost $1M per year in Ottawa alone.

We implemented a project that lasted for two years, and we are still maintaining it, along on a more limited scale.  One aspect of the project had a focus on the development of personal skills and knowledge on such issues as what seniors could do to get around more safely in the wintertime (e.g. use of grippers on boots and canes with picks, where and how to obtain them).

The second part was focussed on community action.  The seniors worked with the City of Ottawa on a plan to improve the way in which sidewalks are maintained in the wintertime.  This resulted in maintaining the sidewalk budget in a time of cuts, and implementing a system of grit boxes in hazardous areas that has proven to be quite successful.  Finally, there was a lot of work done to increase public visibility of this issue.

I am also aware that the University of Ottawa has been involved in a lot of research on fall prevention through Nancy Edwards.

Hope this helps.

Ken

>>> Sonia Mathieu <[log in to unmask]> 02/15/99 10:56PM >>>
Hello,

Last summer I took part of a research project concerning the elderly's home
environment and the risk of falling. This experiment made me become aware
of the extent of the problems.

It is known that environmental security is a significant element in the
prevention injuries by falling of the elderly. Environmental risk factors
like cumbersome pieces of furniture, weak lighting, the absence of rails in
the bathroom and the staircase are all modifiable and they are of an
intervention program.

The health professionals are the principal ressource in the reduction of
home environmental risk to the elderly. Also, community groups and
organizations seem to have a positive impact in strategies of risk
reduction in the elderly's home.

I would like to know some more on the various programs of intervention
concerning the prevention falling accident in the elderly's home, who were
carried out with the implication of groups and community organizations.

Any information on the subject would be largely appreciated.

Thank you

Sonia Mathieu
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